At 8:30am on June 1, 2019, the students of Water Resources and Hydropower Engineering (WRHE) of South China University of Technology (SCUT) from grade 2017 and 2018 and some postgraduate students, led by Professor Cheng Xiangju and Yin Xiaoling from the Department of Hydraulic Engineering (DHE) and river Chief Dai Ruliang, investigated and learned about rural non-point source pollution in the Liuxihe Reservoir and its surrounding areas in Conghua, Guangzhou.
Taking photo deep into the reservoir area
Survey on the water environment in the reservoir by boat
They boarded the ship to enjoy the scenery of the reservoir area. The low mountains in the distance stretched continuously, and the water level of the reservoir was serene. Sometimes intermittent rain hit the water surface, with some waves of ripples from two or three boats. The environment was pleasant and the scenery was beautiful. Teachers guided the students to observe the water flow and water quality of the reservoir, especially the reservoir bay, and explained the advanced research contents about the reservoir bay. The students gathered around the teachers and asked questions. On an island, there were groups of little monkeys in frolic and play, drawing cheers from the students. Deep into the reservoir area by boat for nearly half an hour, they stopped on a small island to have a rest. They stepped over the rocks on the island and felt the paradise of Peach Blossom in the place closest to nature.
Monkeys on the island
After a short rest at noon, they continued to investigate the non-point source pollution of the Liuxi River and its surrounding countryside. Teachers explained about the erosion of concave banks and the siltation of convex banks. The students saw the flat bank with long-standing siltation and the eroded steep cliff on the opposite side. They learned this knowledge twice in practice which made their memory deeper. There were also bamboos, dogs and fruits. All the way the students harvested a lot.
Photo taken next to a power station pressure pipe
At 5:00pm, they finished the route and doubled back to school by bus. The children's Day in this year was memorable and hard-won for them. Experience is the best teacher. They saw how beautiful what they have learned was in nature, which was different from city life. Everyone was safe, happy, and learnt a lot that day.